the PENN NEWSLETTER
12/13/19
Penn Pride: We have. We are. Together.
the Penn Paw
Students adding paws a few weeks ago!
The Paws Box today .... nearly full!
Together -- we will celebrate
Each month we focus on a character trait. This month we have been focusing on patience, tolerance and acceptance. Here are the definitions we've been using.
Patience: To wait calmly for something
Tolerance: To be willing to accept habits, feelings, and beliefs that are different from yours. Acceptance: To welcome or accept someone or something
Penn is also committed to PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports). The gist of this is that we believe behavioral expectations need to be clear, be taught, be practiced, be acknowledged and be celebrated. So, adults are constantly teaching and having students practice behavioral expectations. Then when we notice students following those expecations we acknowledge that with a Paw and positive verbal affirmations. The little paper with a paw print isn't worth anything all on its own, but students write their names on them and put the paw in a jar in their classroom. Then throughout the day there are several opportunities to have your name drawn for a special privilege or reward. We work towards goals individually, as classrooms and as a whole community (our pride). Each week the classroom jars are emptied into a large box in the office. When the box is full, we all get to celebrate. The great news is that it appears we will have cause for celebration next week. Our box is nearly full!
So, we are combining this month's character focus with our PBIS celebration. On Friday, Dec. 20 we are planning to have a BIG movie fest in the gym with the movie projected on the wall in a BIG version. Students in kindergarten, first and second grades will get to watch Toy Story - the original version. And, the older students will watch Wonder. Teachers have been planning lessons related to patience, tolerance and acceptance and these movies tie in perfectly. We've got a plan to break the movies into chunks so we also can do some learning, eating and playing on that day, but we are excited for the community experience of seeing these great movies as a pride.
Students may bring a towel or small blanket to sit on during the movie. FYI, we won't be having any snacks in the gym, but I'm sure there will be snacks in their classrooms.
ISASP Reports coming home TODAY with 4th, 5th and 6th graders
Iowa students in grades three through eleven completed a new assessment last spring, called The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Because this was a newly created assessment and needed to undergo a rigorous standards-setting process, results were delayed until just recently. In future years, we anticipate receiving results in a much more timely manner.These results are now available to be sent home.
Elementary students will be bringing these home in their backpacks on Friday, December 13th
Please see the district email sent to all parents on 12/12/19 with a lot more information.
Carline reminders
1. Be alert -- children are about.
2. Stay in your car and pull as far forward as you can.
3. Do NOT use the south lot when buses are in the lot.
Inclement Weather Guidelines
While we already experienced a brief preview, winter weather is right around the corner! As a reminder, the District's Inclement Weather Guidelines for issuing delay, cancellation, and early release decisions can be found on the District’s website by clicking HERE. Please note the change to the school day if there is a late start issued on a Thursday.
As decisions are made regarding school day changes, the District aims to keep parents as connected as possible so that notifications are received conveniently and timely. In addition to the notifications that are sent via email, phone and text, we encourage you to follow the District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to ensure that announcements are right at your fingertips. We also encourage you to download the District’s mobile app, where you can find everything school and district related in one convenient spot.
If you have any questions, please contact the Educational Services Center at (319) 688-1000.
North Liberty to Launch Transportation Assistance Program
For $1 per ride, qualified North Liberty residents can call a Yellow Cab of Iowa City taxi to pick up groceries, get to the bank, visit a doctor, connect to a bus or certain other essential quality-of-life trips scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Residents can be eligible for this program because they don’t have access to vehicle, face financial difficulty or are permanently or temporarily disabled.
Initial registration drives will be held:
Monday, Nov 25, 9 am - 12pm at the North Liberty Library
Tuesday, Nov 26 3pm - 6pm at the North Liberty, Pantry.
After the initial drives, applicants can complete an online application and make an appointment for an office visit ot complete verification. More information about this program and other transportation options is available at northlibertyiowa.org/transit
School-wide wish list
People often ask: what do you need at school? Well, while you are out shopping, and as we enter the flu and virus season, we would sure appreciate disinfecting wipes. Just drop them off in the office.
THANK YOU.
SAVE the DATE .... info about Music Performances
Kindergarten: December 20 at 8:30 Concert and winter sing-along
1st grade: Wednesday, March 25 2:00
2nd grade: Wednesday, March 25 2:20
3rd, 4th and 5th grades: May 13, Wednesday 8:30 AM
6th graders will perform at their last day of school celebration
Looking Ahead
- Dec. 20 Kindergarten Sing Along
- Winter Break: Dec. 21 - Jan. 5